"The Surface is a nice tablet. The design and aesthetic are pleasing, the feel in the hands, particularly of the kickstand and magnetic cover connection is excellent. But is it worth buying on the day of release?" After these three reviews, I still want a Surface RT. As much as I think Metro - and especially its applications - has a long way to go, I feel like I should reward the fact that Microsoft dares to be different. Too bad Microsoft doesn't want me to buy one.

I don't think Microsoft are so naive/simplistic as to think people really choose iPads for stylistic reasons alone at all!

They absolutely are (now) getting that the simplicity of the devices (to the end user), the multitouch interfaces and yes, you're right .....all the applications that simply and gratifyingly present all that media to the consumer IS KEY alongside the 'nice design' to selling the tablet as a desirable object.

Why else would they be go totally gung-ho with Metro and refining they're touch interface, and their own walled garden app store...........etc

I think they're flaw if there one is this:
Office(specifically on winRT)is only of verrrry limited added value. No-one (i exaggerate a little), but seriously, No-one that doesn't already have a bonafide lap-top or desktop PC already is going to invest in a tablet of ANY persuasion even a pretend-PC winRT one!!